The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos is a 72-suite resort, situated on world-famous Grace Bay Beach just steps from powder fine sands and azure waters. Guests enjoy The Regent Palms' beautiful interior settings and lush tropical grounds, as well as elegantly appointed luxury rooms and one, two and three bedroom Suites. World-class amenities include the 25,000 square foot spa and two signature restaurants, Parallel23 and Plunge.Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
1.800.545.4000 • 1.649.946.8666
Tropical Remedy: The Spa at The Palms ups the ante on the Turks & Caicos
Forbes FYI — September 2005
By Lorriane Cademartori
Beach lovers have known about the tiny Atlantic island chain Turks & Caicos for years, and the spa world is getting in on the action. In 1998 Parrot Cay debuted, on a tiny, private cay accessible only by boat, and early in 2005, The Palms resort on the “big” island of Providenciales (population: 6,000) opened, promoting its spa as its centerpiece.
Situated on Grace Bay Beach, cheek by jowl with less impressive properties, The Palms' 72 suites offer balconies, iPod minis and full kitchens with Viking appliances, but just about everybody seems to gravitate to the 15,000-square-foot spa. One part of its appeal is its location, in a nearby open-air courtyard; equally attractive is its design, courtesy of Angel Stewart of the Golden Door. In the main area, guests follow the path of a long canal: Its branches are eight coral-stone treatment rooms anchored by a central "meditation area".
I was intrigues by a treatment called "Zareeba," derived from the Arabic word for "protected enclosure," in which herbs are brewed in a n enormous pot and then transferred to a ceramic container and placed on the floor of a small wooden room big enough for one guest to sit and stir the pot, breathing in an intense aroma and sweating, er, "detoxifying" profusely. Another treatment, Mother of Pearl, uses pulverized queen conch shells in an aloe and lemongrass-oil base to exfoliate the skin. Not good on sunburns, and the same goes for the Thai Massage: When the therapist complimented my flexibility while digging her knees into my upper musculature, my "thank you" came through tears and gritted teeth. But pain be damned. The overall experience at the spa was so fluid, so simpatico with the ambience at the resort, that I made a mental note: Save the beach for last.
